Thankfully, they have Sanchez and he got the Gunners out of jail, whether by fair means or foul.

His first came after Kieran Gibbs had a low shot hacked off the line by Robertson. Sanchez’s follow-up was blocked by keeper Eldin Jakupovic and the ball flew up and hit the Chile striker’s right arm and went in.

But Hull showed they are a decent side worthy of the praise being heaped their way and were denied a goal when Petr Cech saved from another Oumar Niasse header after Lazar Markovic had whizzed past Gibbs to cross.

The Tigers were always in the game and in Pole Kamil Grosicki, signed on deadline day, they have a player who could yet be their saviour.

He was menacing down the right flank and caught the eye for more than his bizarre haircut.

GETTY

Sam Clucas was sent off by referee Mark Clattenburg for handball

Arsenal player ratings against Hull
Sat, February 11, 2017

Express Sport brings you Arsenal's player ratings from their clash with Hull

Play slideshow

Getty Images

1 of 11

Petr Cech – 7.5

But they were unable to fashion an equaliser and in injury time Arsenal sealed the points on the break. Sanchez rounded Jakupovic and crossed for Lucas Perez, whose header was blocked by Clucas’ arm.

Up stepped hero Sanchez to score from the spot with his 17th league goal of the season, and you wonder where Arsenal would be without him.

Wenger said: “We had absolutely to win and we played against a good team. I cannot see any weakness in them. They are strong and well organised, they have good spirit and technically are good.

‘‘Handball? Honestly I don’t know. I’m responsible for many things but not the referee’s decisions.

‘‘I’m sorry for Hull but I feel that we have had as well to cope recently with some decisions where I wasn’t asked this question.”